Agatha Sangma Asks NGOs To Exercise Restraint

Them Metor issue

A Reporter

SHILLONG: Member of Parliament (MP) from Tura parliamentary constituency Agatha Sangma has urged various organizations in the State to refrain from making statements which will bring about communal differences especially concerning the issue of Them Metor.

Speaking to The Sentinel over phone, Sangma said, “Pressure groups or NGOs within the State should not make statements which might cause communal differences and lead to fear amongst the people. However, they should have trust on the State Government to resolve the issue of Them Metor.”

She also said that NGOs should understand that they also have a responsibility to bring about peace and harmony between various communities in the State of Meghalaya.

“The various NGOs or organizations should think first before coming out with their opinion in social media and in both print and electronic media because it may cause a law-and-order problem in the State and it will bring about fear amongst the citizens of the State,” she said.

When asked on the threat made by the banned militant outfit Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC), Sangma said, “On this matter it’s not right for me to make any comments as it is the State Government’s duty to look into such threats.”

Meanwhile, recently Chief Minister of Punjab Amarinder Singh, on June 15, through (Twitter) stated that a letter has been sent to Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma to ensure proper security for the Punjabis residing at Them Metor in Shillong.

The Punjab Chief Minister will also send a four member delegation to meet the Meghalaya Chief Minister and residents of Them Metor.

The four member delegation from the Punjab government will be led by Minister of Water Resources department, Sukhbinder Singh Sarkaria.

In this connection, when asked when the delegation will arrive in the State to meet with the CM, Sangma said, “They might meet the Chief Minister this week with an objective to bring about peace.”

It may be mentioned that the Meghalaya government has already prepared quarters for those residing at Them Metor especially for those working with the Shillong Municipal Board (SMB).

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